ROCHELLE — Stadium lights shined across the state Friday evening, as the Illinois High School Association’s member schools, including Rochelle, came together to recognize senior student-athletes who have lost their final spring seasons because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In an effort to celebrate the IHSA’s #LightsForTheFight movement, RTHS illuminated the Douglas A. Creason Athletic Complex for 20 minutes, with the football scoreboard reading “20:20” in honor of the Class of 2020. While practicing social distancing, senior student-athletes from each spring sport gathered near the circle drive as members of the community entered through Purple Pass and paid their respects before exiting the parking lot on 20^th Street.

“It was amazing to see the community come to support the seniors,” senior track and field athlete Madie Ohlinger said. “It was a great moment to witness, and the emotions hit me during that moment. I was happy to have the opportunity to represent the track team... I was so excited to compete with my teammates this year, and it was heartbreaking to have that opportunity taken away. I was disappointed that I couldn’t have the opportunity to improve my triple jump and beat my past records. I’m going to miss my coaches and my teammates.”

The IHSA Board of Directors announced Tuesday afternoon that the 2020 spring sports season would be canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision came after Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker closed all schools for the remainder of the school year this past week, effectively crushing any remaining hopes that student-athletes in the state had of returning to action.

“It was nice to have some sort of senior sports moment, even if it was off the court,” senior tennis player Sean Flanagan said. “I was understanding of the situation, but it was also very disappointing to have sports canceled. I didn’t perform as well as I wanted to during the postseason last year, and I really wanted another opportunity this year. I’ve had to adjust to keep up with my classes, but my teachers have been amazing throughout this process.”

Although they’re unable to compete this spring because of the coronavirus, Rochelle’s senior student-athletes were thankful for an opportunity to be recognized Friday evening. While some will be continuing their academic and athletic careers collegiately, others have seen their high school careers come to an abrupt end without any formal send-offs or recognition.  

“It was a very emotional night,” senior softball player Abby Reish said. “When I found out about sports being canceled, I was very upset because it’s my senior year and it shouldn’t have ended this way… Seniors are always looking forward to their last moments because for some students, this year was going to be their last time ever playing a sport, playing an instrument or even walking through the hallways and talking with their friends. We miss seeing our favorite teachers and our friends. In our whole lives, nobody would have expected this to happen.”